Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax WG-1

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax WG-1, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and WG-1 (14MP) and the ZS100 (1") and WG-1 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS100 was unveiled 4 years later than the WG-1 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the ZS100 scores versus the WG-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Pentax Optio WG-1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS100 has external dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-1 has specifications of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax WG-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS100 and the WG-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS100 and WG-1 is 87 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to picture the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at specs. The visual here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS100 and WG-1.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS100 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will give you more detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The fresher ZS100 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.